Pastor Released from ICE Custody Following Medical Crisis
Gabriel Johnson III, a 55-year-old pastor based in Cary, has been released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after suffering an acute neurological event. His daughter, 30-year-old Gabri Johnson, confirmed his release occurred Wednesday evening. He is currently hospitalized in the Dallas area and is preparing to transition to a 24-hour rehabilitation facility to address partial paralysis on the left side of his body.
The medical emergency began in late July, nearly two weeks after Johnson was first detained. His family maintains that he did not receive adequate medical care during his time at the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia. ICE officials have contested these claims. According to his daughter, Johnson was moved between facilities, including a stint at a military base, where he was allegedly pressured to sign deportation documents while in poor health.
Legal Battles and Community Advocacy
Johnson moved to the United States from Liberia at age 16 in the 1980s. He later graduated from N.C. Central University in 2002 and spent two decades serving as a pastor. His detention history dates back to a removal order from 1991, though his family notes he was granted protection from deportation in 2004. The legal situation shifted significantly this week when a federal court in Texas issued an order preventing federal officials from deporting him or moving him out of the court’s jurisdiction while his case is pending.
The advocacy efforts behind his release were intense. Local church members in Cary, congressional representatives, and legal counsel worked to draw attention to his condition. When the federal judge issued the ruling on Wednesday, ICE released Johnson from custody. Gabri Johnson described the move as a major relief, noting that for the first time since his arrest, he is being treated as a standard patient rather than a detainee under constant guard.
Uncertain Path to Recovery
Although the family sees this release as a temporary win, the long-term outlook remains difficult. Doctors have not yet determined the extent of his potential recovery, and the family is managing the logistics of rehabilitation while remaining in Texas. Because of his current physical state, transportation back to North Carolina is not currently an option.
Legal hurdles also persist. While the recent court order grants him some protection, it is unclear if authorities will attempt to take him back into custody once his medical treatment concludes. His family continues to consult with lawyers to prepare for future challenges, including the possibility of deportation to a country other than Liberia. For now, the priority remains the daily routine of therapy and the hope that he can eventually return to the home he has occupied for 22 years.